What is Gnosis - Scotland Gnostic Society

What Is Gnosis?

Gnosis may be a familiar or unfamiliar term to you. To those familiar with it, it often evokes a tradition of early Christianity. Yet, while embodied in these early traditions, Gnosis actually pre-dates them and is a perennial truth akin to humanity itself.

The term gnosis is derived from the Greek, meaning knowledge. A distinction is made here in that the knowledge gained and/ or received is of a subtle, spiritual nature: the intuitive apprehension of spiritual truth. It relates to the consciousness of man and his spiritual nature. Again, a distinction is made in that consciousness is seen as a distinct aspect of man and forms the basis for much of our enquiry into the study of Gnosis.

This allows us to truly wonder – what is it to be human?

Are we so certain of the truth of the concepts that we hold about ourselves?

Where did these concepts come from? What formed them and on what are they based?

What is the aim of Gnosis?

Life is a mystery. Humankind is a mystery. Science in all its many forms has described much of the phenomena of the physical world, yet the mystery remains.

What is life? How does conception, birth, growth and death take place? Are there principles or laws that govern and influence these processes?

What is sleep? Why is it necessary? What determines the physiology of the body and what is the source of its vitality?

How does our psychology work? Is consciousness distinct and independent from physical matter (i.e the brain and nervous system)? What is the nature of our emotions and thoughts and do they serve a purpose?

What is the essence or nature of sex & sexuality? What is this substance and force that can create life and what is our relationship to it? Does it play a role in spiritual life?

What role does man play in life on this planet, this solar system and beyond? Is there life beyond, how did this all come to be and to what end?

Science and even religion cannot explicitly explain these phenomena, hence the mystery. They can be known however but only through conscious investigation and discovery, beyond reason and physical perception. This is a mystical process.

To describe a phenomenon is not necessarily to understand it: to know something superficially or factually is not the same as comprehending its nature, meaning or essence. Hence Gnosis is a particular type of knowledge, engaging a particular aspect of man. It is a deep, intuitive understanding of self and one's relationship to the divine in all its many forms.

The above points to a life that is dedicated to transformation and discovery. To deeply comprehend the answers to these questions is part of long process of study and investigation. Gnosis provides the means for this to occur and we must complement this with conscious participation. Bringing the truly human in us into intimate contact with life itself enables profound revelation.

Our Courses

The origins of Gnosis

Gnosis is a natural function of the human consciousness and forms the wisdom and understanding of mankind and its place in creation. It has existed as long as humanity because it is human in nature. It is man that makes the distinctions amongst the many traditions that have existed throughout our history. Gnosis is their unity. But man often confuses the means with the ends; in reality, it is through Gnosis that the wisdom arises that enabled these traditions to blossom. The diverse forms of spiritual practice from different times and cultures, expressed through different languages, all originate from the very human yearning for the divine and the need to understand oneself.

It has been written that all religions are precious pearls strung on the golden thread of divinity. Therefore, we find gnosis in the ancient Egyptian tradition, the Hebraic Kabbalah, the Persian mystery cults, the Sufism of Islam, within Christianity... It is found in the many traditions of the east: Zen, Chan & Tibetan Buddhism, Hinduism, Daoism... We find it in many so-called primitive and indigenous cultures of the Americas, Australia and others. Throughout time, man has sought the divine through human means. We are one humanity yearning to perceive and comprehend the truth.

In the past, this wisdom was not openly or readily available to the public, but was revealed only to those who had been initiated into the mysteries of the various schools, sects, traditions and lodges. There are many reasons for this and time and culture have played their part as has the needs of humanity and its circumstances.

Man and his concept of himself and the divine are intricately linked with the life, time and culture in which he lives; we see this clearly reflected through art, science, philosophy, education, medicine, politics and religious practice. If we consider the vast changes that man has undergone in all aspects of life in the past 400 years, in particular the reformation, enlightenment and industrial revolution, we find his concept of and expression and participation with religion and spirituality greatly transformed by the early part of the twentieth century.

Modern gnosis, as taught today, comes from the writings and practices of Samael Aun Weor, who was born in 1917 in Colombia and so came at a time of significant change in all aspects of life. Encompassing this transitional time, he synthesized the precepts of the philosophers, mystics and adepts of ancient traditions into an integrated and comprehensive system of knowledge and instruction. This system provides a means for personal Gnosis, a complete and comprehensive process whereby any person can awaken consciousness and achieve complete self-realisation, liberation, awakening or reunion with divinity.

Gnosis points the way to the truth beyond sectarian belief and philosophical and religious theory and dogma; it is beyond personality for it is the intimate and direct experiential knowledge of the human and the divine. It is available to all, yet requires willing participation and a deep understanding of oneself, life, creation and the divine. It is a life’s work.

Our Courses

Theory, practice and experience

Gnosis is comprised of theoretical, practical and experiential aspects. It deals with man and his relationship with life and the universe.

The theoretical component of gnosis, its role within the courses & programs and within the life of the student is to develop a deep and profound intellectual culture, capable of conceiving and perceiving of the true nature of man and the divine and the path that connects them. The gnostic doctrine is born of the esoteric experiences of the many initiates, masters, aspirants and sages of the past. It is used as a guide and a standard in all aspects of spiritual work. It should be born in mind that theory alone is not gnosis. It is not reality in itself but describes it.

Esoteric practice is the tool used to bring the theory to life in the inner world of the student. It is the means to investigate & inquire, to transform, develop & create. Gnosis provides a vast range of practices that can be implemented to bring about transformation and experience of the vast nature of the gnostic doctrine. Practice is a means and not an end in itself. Gnostic practice is not the mechanical imposition of a rigid discipline but the fluid application of the appropriate technique for a specific purpose.

Experience is the transformational result of the theory and practice of gnosis. It is essential because only from personal experience can the truth come to life within oneself and from which true faith is born.

Gnosis is then the inner experience of the reality of life by means of practice. It is both the faith born of experience along with the path that takes us there.

FAQ

If you are someone who has searched and searched and has become tired of so many theories, then as they say “you have come to the right place”. Gnosis is for those who are tired of theories and who want a practical knowledge that has a path that produces tangible and perceivable changes in themselves.

It is said in the Gnostic teachings that Gnosis lives in deeds and withers in abstractions.

There are two doctrines, one is the doctrine of the ‘eye’ and the other is the ‘doctrine of the heart’. The doctrine of the eye is the intellectual study of esotericism or spirituality whose end result is only a head filled with information that at best comes from the experiences of others. The doctrine of the heart is different, in that it is the practical study of esotericism. It is to experience for oneself and therefore to know and be impacted directly by the experience.

The Gnostic knowledge is one that delves deeply into the cause of things, seeing beyond the visible effects and into the root that is often hidden. The experiences that can be had through the application of the Gnostic knowledge are profound and intimate, and answer some or many of the mysteries about ourselves and nature. It is said that every person is a mystery needing to be deciphered. With this being said, it is our honest conclusion that the Gnostic teachings will satisfy the sincere spiritual seeker.

Gnosis respects all spiritual traditions and sees them as different paths to the same truth. Gnosis integrates elements from various world religions, recognising the shared wisdom and common ultimate goal of self-realisation.

Gnosis is typically initiated through reading and understanding the Gnostic teachings, followed by the application of practices such as meditation, self-observation, and self-remembering in daily life. Joining a Gnostic group can also be beneficial for guidance and support.

Gnosis is considered an esoteric tradition because it deals with the inner, hidden aspects of reality and human existence. Its teachings are meant to be understood and experienced directly rather than merely accepted on faith.